Isaiah 6:13

KJV

But yet in it [shall be] a tenth, and [it] shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance [is] in them, when they cast [their leaves: so] the holy seed [shall be] the substance thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

But yet in it shall be a tenth {H6224}, and it shall return {H7725}, and shall be eaten {H1197}: as a teil tree {H424}, and as an oak {H437}, whose substance {H4678} is in them, when they cast {H7995} their leaves: so the holy {H6944} seed {H2233} shall be the substance {H4678} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

If even a tenth [of the people] remain, it will again be devoured. "But like a pistachio tree or an oak, whose trunk remains alive after its leaves fall off, the holy seed will be its trunk."

Berean Standard Bible

And though a tenth remains in the land, it will be burned again. As the terebinth and oak leave stumps when felled, so the holy seed will be a stump in the land.”

American Standard Version

And if there be yet a tenth in it, it also shall in turn be eaten up: as a terebinth, and as an oak, whose stock remaineth, when they are felled; so the holy seed is the stock thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 6:13 delivers a profound message of both devastating judgment and enduring hope, concluding the prophet's commissioning vision. Following a stark prophecy of national desolation and spiritual hardening, this verse introduces a divine promise: despite the land being laid waste and its people exiled, a small, preserved remnant—"a tenth"—will survive the consuming fire of judgment. This enduring core is likened to the resilient stump of a felled terebinth or oak, from which new life can spring, identifying this preserved group as the "holy seed" that will ensure the nation's future and the continuation of God's covenant purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 6:13 serves as the climactic and concluding statement of Isaiah's profound inaugural vision and commissioning. The preceding verses, specifically [Isaiah 6:9-12](/isaiah/6-9-12 "Isaiah 6:9-12 - God's Judgment and Hardening of Hearts"), outline a chilling divine mandate for Isaiah: to preach a message that will paradoxically harden the hearts of the people, rendering them spiritually blind and deaf to God's truth. This spiritual insensitivity is prophesied to lead directly to the utter desolation of the land and the widespread exile of its inhabitants, a severe consequence of their persistent rebellion against Yahweh. Verse 13 then introduces a crucial, though grim, caveat to this sweeping destruction, offering a glimmer of hope in the form of a preserved remnant, thereby establishing a foundational theme of the "remnant" that recurs throughout the entire book of Isaiah, particularly in prophecies concerning future restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Isaiah's prophetic ministry is the tumultuous 8th century BCE, a period dominated by the relentless expansion and military might of the Neo-Assyrian Empire into the Near East. Both Israel (the Northern Kingdom) and Judah (the Southern Kingdom) faced immense political and military pressure, often responding by engaging in idolatry and forming unreliable foreign alliances rather than placing their trust solely in Yahweh. The "desolation" and "exile" prophesied in this chapter would find concrete historical fulfillment in the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BCE and, later, the Babylonian exile of the Southern Kingdom of Judah beginning in 586 BCE. The vivid imagery of the "teil tree" (terebinth) and "oak" is deeply rooted in the cultural and natural landscape of Judea; these long-lived, deep-rooted trees were prominent, often serving as significant landmarks or even sites of worship (both legitimate and illicit). Their remarkable ability to sprout new growth from a seemingly dead stump after being cut down was a widely understood natural phenomenon, making them potent and relatable symbols of resilience, enduring life, and the potential for renewal even after catastrophic events.
* **Key Themes:** This concluding verse of Isaiah's commissioning powerfully encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes central to his prophecy and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it starkly underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment**, illustrating God's righteous wrath against sin, idolatry, and covenant unfaithfulness, which inevitably leads to severe consequences for His covenant people. Secondly, it introduces and profoundly develops **Remnant Theology**, a foundational concept in the prophetic books, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving a small, righteous core even amidst widespread apostasy and national destruction. This remnant is not merely a statistical survival but a spiritually distinct and consecrated group. Thirdly, the vivid imagery of the tree stump highlights **Divine Preservation and Restoration**, signifying God's sovereign ability to bring new life and fulfill His promises even from what appears to be utter ruin. This theme anticipates future national and spiritual restoration, echoing promises found in passages like [Jeremiah 31](/jeremiah/31 "Jeremiah 31 - The New Covenant") and [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration of Israel's Land and Spirit"). Finally, the explicit mention of the "holy seed" points directly to the burgeoning **Messianic Hope**, as this divinely preserved lineage ultimately leads to the coming of the Messiah, who embodies the true Israel and brings about ultimate redemption, a theme further developed in prophecies such as [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Immanuel Prophecy") and [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Child Born to Us").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **eaten (Hebrew, _bâʻar'_):** This verb (H1197) is a primitive root meaning "to kindle" or "to consume (by fire or by eating)." It can also mean "to be(come) brutish." In this context, it primarily conveys the idea of consumption, specifically by judgment, implying a destructive purging. This highlights the severity of the divine judgment that will "eat up" or consume the unfaithful, leaving only a remnant.
* **substance (Hebrew, _matstsebeth'_):** Derived from H4678, this noun refers to "something stationary," specifically a "monumental stone" or, as used here, the "stock of a tree" or "stump." It signifies the enduring, foundational part that remains after the main part has been removed or destroyed. In the metaphor, it represents the vital, living root system or base from which new growth can emerge, symbolizing the preserved core of Israel.
* **holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** This term (H6944) denotes "a sacred place or thing," or abstractly, "sanctity." It implies being "consecrated," "dedicated," or "set apart" for God's purposes. When applied to "seed," it signifies that the remnant is not merely a surviving population, but a group divinely chosen, purified, and consecrated by God, distinct from the unfaithful majority, and essential for the continuation of His covenant plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But yet in it [shall be] a tenth,"**: This opening clause introduces a crucial counterpoint to the preceding prophecy of widespread desolation. Despite the severe judgment and the vast majority being consumed, a very small, numerically significant portion—a "tenth"—will remain. This "tenth" represents the divinely preserved remnant, emphasizing that God's judgment, while thorough and severe, is not an act of absolute annihilation but a purging that leaves a faithful core.
* **"and [it] shall return, and shall be eaten:"**: This phrase has been a subject of scholarly debate due to its apparent paradox. The verb "shall return" (H7725, _shûwb_) can mean to turn back, return, or be restored, potentially referring to the remnant returning from exile. However, the subsequent phrase "and shall be eaten" (H1197, _bâʻar_) suggests further consumption or judgment. This might imply a cyclical pattern of judgment and partial restoration, or that even the returning remnant will undergo further refinement and purification through hardship, ensuring that only the truly "holy seed" emerges. It underscores the depth of the purification required.
* **"as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance [is] in them, when they cast [their leaves:"**: This introduces a powerful **Simile** and **Metaphor**. The "teil tree" (likely a terebinth) and the "oak" are robust, long-lived trees common in the Judean landscape. The imagery of them "casting their leaves" refers to their apparent dormancy or 'death' in winter, or when they are felled. Critically, their "substance" (H4678, _matstsebeth_), meaning their stump or root stock, remains alive and vital underground. This vividly illustrates the concept of resilience and the inherent potential for new growth to emerge from a seemingly dead or destroyed base, even after the visible part of the tree is gone.
* **"so] the holy seed [shall be] the substance thereof."**: This culminating clause directly applies the tree metaphor to the future of Israel. The "substance" (the enduring stump) represents the divinely preserved core of the nation. This core is explicitly identified as the "holy seed" (H6944 _qôdesh_ and H2233 _zeraʻ_), a consecrated, divinely chosen, and preserved remnant. This "holy seed" is the true, faithful Israel, set apart by God, from whom future restoration, spiritual renewal, and ultimately the Messiah will spring forth, ensuring the continuity of God's covenant purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 6:13 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound and complex message of judgment and hope. The primary and most striking device is a powerful **Simile** and **Metaphor**, comparing the future of Israel to a "teil tree" and an "oak." Just as these resilient trees, when felled or when they cast their leaves in winter, retain their vital "substance" or stump from which new growth can emerge, so too will a core of Israel survive the devastating judgment. This imagery effectively conveys themes of resilience, enduring life, and the promise of regeneration even from apparent ruin. The phrase "the holy seed" functions as a potent **Symbolism**, representing not merely a biological lineage but a faithful, consecrated, and spiritually distinct remnant of Israel, divinely preserved for God's redemptive purposes. Furthermore, the verse employs stark **Contrast**, juxtaposing the severity of divine judgment and desolation ("shall be eaten") with the unwavering promise of preservation and future life ("the holy seed shall be the substance thereof"). This contrast powerfully highlights God's sovereign power to both execute righteous judgment and faithfully redeem, ensuring His covenant promises endure even through the crucible of purification and suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 6:13 is a foundational text for understanding the intricate balance of God's justice and mercy, His faithfulness amidst human rebellion, and the crucial theological concept of the remnant. It demonstrates that even when the vast majority of a people turn away from Him, God, in His sovereign faithfulness, preserves a core of faithful individuals through whom His covenant promises will continue. This remnant is not merely a statistical survival but a divinely chosen and consecrated group, the "holy seed," set apart for God's redemptive purposes. This profound truth assures believers across all generations that God's plans are immutable and will ultimately prevail, even when circumstances appear bleak, the visible church seems diminished, or society spirals into apostasy. It points to a God who purifies rather than annihilates, ensuring the continuity of His people and the eventual fulfillment of His redemptive promises for humanity.

* [Romans 9:27](/romans/9-27 "Romans 9:27 - The Remnant of Israel")
* [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - God's Gracious Remnant")
* [Micah 5:7-8](/micah/5-7-8 "Micah 5:7-8 - The Remnant of Jacob")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 6:13 offers a profoundly sobering yet ultimately hopeful message for believers today. It serves as a stark reminder that God's unwavering holiness demands judgment for sin, and that persistent spiritual hardening and national decline can indeed lead to severe and devastating consequences. However, it also powerfully assures us that God, in His sovereign grace, always preserves a faithful remnant, a "holy seed," even in the darkest and most desperate times. This truth should inspire both profound humility and unwavering hope within us. We are called to diligently examine our own hearts and the spiritual health of our communities, ensuring we are not among those whose hearts are hardened by sin or indifference, but rather striving to be part of the "holy seed"—those set apart for God's divine purposes, living lives characterized by faithful obedience, unwavering trust, and genuine worship. In times of widespread apostasy, moral decay, societal upheaval, or intense persecution, this verse provides immense comfort and spiritual fortitude, affirming that God's eternal kingdom will ultimately prevail through His preserved people, and that new life and spiritual vitality can miraculously spring forth even from apparent desolation and ruin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of the "remnant" in Isaiah 6:13 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice and mercy in the face of widespread sin?**
* **In what specific ways might you be called to embody and live out the characteristics of the "holy seed" in your current context, living a life distinctively set apart for God's purposes?**
* **How can the powerful imagery of the "teil tree" and "oak" provide a source of hope, resilience, and renewed perspective in times of personal hardship, communal spiritual decline, or societal brokenness?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "a tenth" in Isaiah 6:13?**

Answer: The "tenth" (Hebrew: *ʻăsîyrîy*) in [Isaiah 6:13](/isaiah/6-13 "Isaiah 6:13 - The Holy Seed") signifies a very small, surviving portion of the population. It primarily emphasizes the extreme severity of the impending judgment and desolation that will befall Israel, implying that the vast majority will be destroyed or exiled due to their unfaithfulness. However, it simultaneously highlights God's sovereign faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, ensuring that a remnant, though numerically small, will be preserved. This concept of a preserved remnant is a recurring and vital theme in prophetic literature, underscoring that God's redemptive plans for His people will not be utterly thwarted by their sin, but will continue through a faithful few.

**How does the "teil tree" and "oak" metaphor work in this verse?**

Answer: The "teil tree" (likely a terebinth) and "oak" were common, long-lived, and deep-rooted trees in the ancient Israelite landscape. The metaphor in [Isaiah 6:13](/isaiah/6-13 "Isaiah 6:13 - The Holy Seed") refers to their remarkable ability to sprout new growth from their stump or root system even after the main trunk has been cut down or after they appear dormant or 'dead' in winter when they "cast their leaves." This imagery powerfully symbolizes resilience, enduring life, and the potential for new life and regeneration to emerge from a seemingly dead or destroyed base. Just as the tree's vital "substance" (stump or root stock) remains, so too will a core of Israel, the "holy seed," endure the judgment and provide the foundational source for future restoration and spiritual renewal.

**Who is the "holy seed" mentioned at the end of the verse?**

Answer: The "holy seed" (Hebrew: *zera qodesh*) refers to the righteous, consecrated remnant of Israel. This is not merely a biological lineage but a spiritually distinct group, chosen and preserved by God, who remain faithful to Him amidst widespread apostasy and judgment. They are designated "holy" because they are set apart by God for His divine purposes and purified through the crucible of judgment. This "holy seed" represents the enduring, faithful core of the nation from which God will bring about future renewal and ultimately fulfill His covenant promises, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah and His true spiritual people, the Church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 6:13 finds its most profound and ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "holy seed" ultimately points to Christ Himself, who is the true Israel, the perfectly faithful remnant of God's people. While the verse speaks of a physical remnant of Israel, the New Testament profoundly reveals that the true "seed" of Abraham, through whom all nations would be blessed, is Christ alone [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - Christ, the Seed of Abraham"). He is the "stump of Jesse" from whom a righteous Branch would miraculously grow [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse"), signifying the new life and hope emerging from Israel's apparent desolation and spiritual death. The devastating judgment prophesied in Isaiah 6, which consumed the unfaithful, was ultimately borne by Christ on the cross, where He became the "eaten" sacrifice for the sins of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), allowing the "holy seed" of believers—those who are "in Christ"—to be spiritually preserved and made righteous. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ inaugurated the new covenant and established His Church, which is now the spiritual "holy seed"—a people set apart by God, grafted into the true vine [John 15:1-5](/john/15-1-5 "John 15:1-5 - Jesus, the True Vine"), and serving as the enduring substance of God's kingdom, from whom new life continually springs forth, fulfilling God's magnificent redemptive plan for all humanity [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 14:7

¶ For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.

Job 14:9

[Yet] through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.

Romans 11:5

Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Romans 11:6

And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Genesis 22:18

And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

Isaiah 65:8

¶ Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and [one] saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing [is] in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all.

Isaiah 65:9

And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.